Weekend Retreats for Those Caring for Elders
Retreat location: 269 Shelburne Line Rd., Colrain MA — 10 minutes from the I-91 Greenfield highway exit.
Note: if interested in consultations on a more limited basis, please email us at thresholdcrossing7@gmail.com
Our retreat — designed for individuals and couples — helps you gather information and perspective related to elder care and living. Is your elder facing questions related to health care, housing, and financial management? Are you facing questions related to how care and responsibility will affect your relationships, such as with a spouse/partner or with your siblings? Whether with an elder in your life or with yourself, do you find it hard to talk about issues related to aging, end of life, and death?
Whether you answer “Yes!” for any or all of these questions, the retreat blocks out sessions over three days to get better informed, to prognosticate critical care and relationship issues, and to air and process topics that are difficult for many people to discuss. Given years that may be required to address these and other difficult caregiving issues, we believe investng in a weekend receiving practical and cautionary information along with the opportunity to reflect and dialogue is well worth it! Over the course of the retreat, portions of each day is also set aside to relax in this beautiful, rural setting with your own, independent apartment adjoining the program leaders’ home.
Retreat session content; accommodations and food; and options for relaxation, dining, and exploring the area.
Reserve a Retreat?
Upon reserving a retreat, we will contact you with a questionnaire the answers to which will help us tailor the weekend to your concerns.
Upcoming Dates
Program Leaders
Katherine Orcutt
Katherine believes we live more fully and wholly when we see our path in realistic terms, do our best to live with and learn from it, and use it all for the best in our work and relationships. After a successful career as a physical therapist working with many elders, Katherine then became an Elder Care Specialist while an Employee Assistance Program counselor from 2000-2024. As a Massachusetts SHINE Counselor, she currently guides people through Medicare decision-making. She received her BS and Certificate in Physical Therapy from Simmons College and her counseling MA from Emmanuel College.
Jonathan Rehmus
Jon believes life – perhaps especially as we age – should combine the use of our diverse gifts with active inquiry. In his current position as an interfaith hospice chaplain, Jon supports many families dealing with a range of issues including dying and death of a loved one but also cognitive decline, facility residence, and developing resources of support. In addition, Jon served as a minister to UU/UCC churches over 20 years helping many elders and families address issues of aging and transition. Jon received his B.A. summa cum laude from Amherst College and his divinity degree from Harvard University with concentrations in pastoral care and chaplaincy.
Testimonials
Kathleen Greer
Katherine Orcutt worked for decades as an elder care specialist at my company, KGA (http://kgreer.com). She has a wealth of experience helping caregivers navigate support systems around the country. She is filled with empathy and knowledge that will help anyone facing the many emotional and practical challenges of caregiving.
Sharon Wright
As Executive Director of Pioneer Valley Hospice & Palliative Care where Jon is chaplain, I have witnessed him work through many issues with our patients and families. These have ranged from concerns regarding cognitive decline, challenging family dynamics, and collaboration with community and inpatient resources.